How to Wire Landscape Lighting

Many homeowners view their landscaped yard with pride. Simple front yard landscapes can add to your home’s curb appeal. It also extends your living space to the outdoors. It also enhances your property’s value.

Most landscaping projects focus on greenery and hardscaping. Landscape lighting is often forgotten or treated as a secondary concern. This should not be the case. The right lighting provides many benefits. It’s also a project that’s easy to do. This post will guide you on how to wire landscape lighting.

Importance of Landscape Lighting

Landscape lighting makes even a simple landscaping design look like a million bucks. Here are some reasons why you should give it the attention it deserves:

• It improves the outdoor experience. Space is at a premium these days. Being stuck at home showed many homeowners the importance of their outdoor area. Adding lights to your landscape design can make the space more beautiful.
• It’s critical to your safety. Installing outdoor lights will also reduce accidents. You should be able to see every step when you’re outside. Adding a few low-voltage lights is cheaper than a trip to the hospital.
• It adds to your security. Thieves and prowlers avoid well-lighted properties. There’s a good chance they will become spotted by the homeowner or a neighbor.

How to Wire in Landscape Lights

Landscape lighting doesn’t have to be the challenge you imagine it to be. A good landscaping company can help design the best layout for your outdoor lights. But you can also do it on your own if you have the imagination and skills. Here’s how you can go about it:

· Develop Your Idea

You need a plan before you start installing outdoor lights. Start by walking around your property during the day and at night. Choose the areas you want to illuminate. You can also pinpoint focal areas. This could be a tree or a row of flower beds.

· Sketch the Area

Your next step should be to sketch the area. Draw the perimeter, the structure, and the walkways. You should also place the location of the trees and vegetation. You will use your drawing to plot the location of the lights. It will also help you determine the type of lighting fixtures you need and how many.

· Gather the Material

You need to have everything ready before you start your project. This means you have all the lighting fixtures, bulbs, and wires on hand. Prepare the tools you will need, like pliers and screwdrivers. You should also have a shovel ready.

· Mark the Area

You have to mark the location of existing irrigation or cable lines. Place physical markers so they’re easy to see and avoid. You don’t want to hit a cable line while you’re digging a space for your patio lights.

· Assemble Your Fixtures

You should prepare all your lighting fixtures before you start the installation. This means getting them out of the box and assembling them. Put the bulbs in any ready fixtures and connect them to the mounts. There are three common ways to mount lighting fixtures:

• Stake Mounting. This model requires the lighting fixture to become attached to a stake and to the ground.
• Surface Mounting: This method sees the lighting fixture attached to a hard surface. You will need a power drill to link the light to the surface.
• In-Ground Mounting.  You must connect the fixture straight to the ground in this style. You might need a spade and a shovel to mount the lights. A post-hole digger can also make the process go faster.

· Prepare a Path for Wires

Your next step should be to clear a path where the lights and the wires are set. Consult the sketch you made to ensure proper placement.

· Mount the Transformer

Pick a good location for your low voltage transformer and mount it. Transformers need a foot of clearance in every direction. Check that there are no water sources or features nearby. Any water features should be 30 feet away. You should also place the transformer on a surface that can handle the heat it will produce.

· Dig the Trenches

You should start digging a trench for your wire runs at this point. You can use a spade or a shovel. But you can also use any special tools that will help make the job go easier. The standard depth when burying low voltage cables is about three to six inches. But this can change depending on the local building code. Place the wires in the trench and cover them. Leave about five feet of wire at each end. Do not bury the ends yet because you will be making adjustments later.

· Connect the System

You can use a clamp connect transformer for a simple connection procedure. This system uses levers to clamp on the wires. Start by linking the transformer to the main run. You do this by connecting a strand of wire to the com terminal. The other end should be in a terminal marked 12 volts. This tap is common for systems with few fixtures. If you’re using a lot, you need a 15-volt tap.

You then connect the fixtures by splicing the lead wires to the main run. You can use a twist-on type of connector for this. You can also use a clamp connected junction or a hub.

· Test the System

You must test your system after you’ve finished all the connections. Turn on the transformer. Walk around and inspect the fixtures. If one of the fixtures is out, you most likely have a bad connection. You can start adjusting the fixtures once they’re all working. It’s best if you do this at night. You can see the lighting effect on your backyard landscape design idea better.

Increase the Wow Factor

Want your property to look dramatic and appealing? Landscape Improvements can help make that happen. We are one of Florida’s best landscaping companies. We’ve been in the business for decades and have more than a few tricks up our sleeves. Our experienced landscapers can create a wonderful landscape design that fits your style. We provide commercial and residential landscaping services. We also offer landscape lighting, insect pest management, and arbor care. You can reach us at 407-606-7326 or send us an email at info@landscapeimprovementsfl.com.